The Ford Mustang has been sold all over the world although in earlier years, its availability only in lefthand drive limited it to specific markets where cars drove on the right side of the road. Although there were people who converted to righthand drive, it was only with the current sixth generation launched in 2015 that an official factory-built RHD version became available.
As a result, it could be officially sold in Malaysia and Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) wasted no time in ordering a batch soon after the model was launched. With its head-turning looks, it’s no surprise that the Mustang population in this country has grown and recently, 137 owners got together to set a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records.
137 owners from Mustang Club Malaysia
Organised by Mustang Club Malaysia, it was the largest gathering of Ford Mustangs in Malaysia. The get-together was held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur where the certificate of recognition was presented to the Club’s President, Alfred C.K. Joseph, by the Malaysia Book of Records’ Chief Operating Officer, Christopher Wong.
“We are delighted to have earned a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for having the title of biggest gathering of Ford Mustang vehicles in the country. Our aim is to show unity and harmony by bringing all walks of life together in our multiracial community through our passion and love for cars,” said Mr. Joseph.
Mustang Club Malaysia was formed in 2018 and has 245 members currently. The club was created for the purpose of sharing information on the latest Mustang as well as to promote safe and responsible driving habits. It also provides a platform for Mustang enthusiasts to embrace and build comradeship through a common interest.
“Kudos to Mustang Club Malaysia for spearheading this event and setting a new record in the country. It is a tremendous feat to organise and mobilise 137 Mustang vehicles and club members. We are incredibly proud of their efforts,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
“We continue to be committed in maintaining close relations with the network of various Ford owners’ clubs and supporting their activities to foster deeper mutual understanding and camaraderie,” he added.
Two versions for Malaysian market SDAC has been selling the Mustang with a choice of two powertrains – 5-litre 460 ps V8 and 2.3-litre 310 ps EcoBoost. Both engines are mated to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
Now in its 56th year of production, the Mustang has been the best-selling sportscar in the world for five consecutive years. The range now includes an electrically-powered model – the Mustang Mach E – which made its global debut last year.
The latest Ford Ranger XLT Plus Facelift is now available in Malaysia. Enhanced features include new high-performance Bi-LED headlamps that deliver 17% stronger lighting while the new body-coloured bumper design finished with a silver bumper lip replicates the front exterior of the Ranger WildTrak. The new Ranger XLT Plus also comes with an exclusive new chrome grille.
“We are delighted to introduce the New Ford Ranger XLT Plus facelift that now comes with added premium features that are seen in the Ranger WildTrak and Raptor. The Ranger XLT Plus variant, which was introduced in Malaysia in 2018, has proven to be a popular variant for customers looking for a pickup that is suitable for both work and play with premium touches,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC).
Function and convenience
Interior features that come standard are an 8-inch touchscreen display and SYNC multimedia system with a reverse camera. The Ranger XLT Plus also comes with convenience features such as keyless entry with pushstart button. The Easy Lift Tailgate that makes opening and closing the tailgate effortless. Ford MyKey is also provided to allow owners to program the key to limit certain functions of certain features if the vehicle is loaned to another person.
420 Nm turbodiesel, 10-speed transmission
Under the bonnet is a proven 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine (108 ps/420 Nm) mated to 10-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is the first and still only one in its class. The 4×4 drivetrain can be switched between High and Low ranges, as well as 2WD and 4WD, while on the move using a rotary knob.
The power assistance for the steering system is provided by an electric motor so that no power is drawn from the engine, helping to improve fuel efficiency. A Limited Slip Differential provides stability, grip and can help in difficult conditions.
Safety features like a passenger car
The Ranger has had a strong reputation for safety from the first generation and with the current one, there are dual airbags, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, ISOFIX childseat mounts, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control, Adaptive Load Control, Daytime running lights and even rain-sensing wipers.
Hill Descent Control and Hill Launch Assist also provide the driver with confidence on slopes and allow stable and safe movement.
The new Ranger XLT Plus, imported from Thailand, is priced from RM129,888 (on-the-road, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia) and comes with 5 colour options – Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Lightning Blue, Meteor Grey and Absolute Black.
As with the entire Ranger line-up, it is covered with a full manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or up to 100,000 kms, whichever comes first.
Latest Ford promotion
SDAC has also announced its latest promotion which offers 4 free vehicle service and cash rebate options (terms and conditions apply) with the purchase of selected Ranger variants, The promotion, which runs until December 31, 2020, is intended to offer customers more savings and reduce cost of ownership. The free vehicle services are equivalent to 2 years of free maintenance (or up to 40,000 kms, whichever comes first). Alternatively, customers can opt for a RM2,000 cash rebate.
For selected Ranger XL variants, customers can enjoy up to RM7,000 cash rebate, while a RM7,000 cash rebate will be offered on selected Ranger XLT variants.
“We are pleased to announce greater saving options for our customers, with the choice of enjoying 4 free vehicle service or cash rebate options on our Ranger vehicles. With these saving options, we hope this would allow customers more flexibility in their spending,” said Tuan Syed Muzri.
Customers who have a purchase enquiry can WhatsApp the Ford Digital Salesperson at +6019-204 1200 (9 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday, excluding public holidays). Through this dedicated channel, customers can be linked with an authorised Ford salesperson at a dealership located nearest to them. This will allow customers to transact at their own convenience and pay the deposit for their vehicle wherever they are.
For more information about the latest Ford promotions as well as information on the range of Ford vehicle available and location of showrooms in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my .
In 2020, virtually everyone has experienced some effects of their personal financial situation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has done its best to help in various ways and companies, though also impacted by a business slowdown, has also tried doing its part.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, is helping Ford owners with money-saving initiatives and has announced its ‘Service Reward’ promotion which is on for 2 days. On September 1 and 2, 2020, 1,000 Service Reward vouchers will be on sale and these vouchers get up to 30% discount on after-warranty service costs.
Authorised Ford sales and service centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Valid for 18 months
Each Service Reward voucher costs just RM5 and is valid at all authorised Ford service centres for 18 months from the date of purchase. The Service Reward voucher can be purchased at any Ford Authorised Service Centres, while stocks last.
“We are always looking for ways to support our customers and reward them for their loyalty. In these uncertain times, as people resume their day-to-day activities, we hope these savings will help lighten their load while keeping them safe on the roads,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Savings when servicing
With the purchase of the ‘Service Reward’ voucher, customers can save 10% on engine oil on their first vehicle service, 20% on their second vehicle service and 30% on their third vehicle service.
During all 3 service intervals, customers will also get a 10% discount on the oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, battery and wiper blades as well as a 10% discount on labour. Only OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are used quality and reliability are assured.
As an extra benefit for safe motoring and peace of mind, SDAC will also provide owners with the Service Reward voucher a free 27-point vehicle inspection. This inspection will be conducted by Ford-certified technicians who will check to ensure their vehicles are in tip-top condition.
Book a service online
Ford owners can book a vehicle service appointment online by visiting www.sdacford.com.my and clicking the ‘Book a Service’ tab in the Owner section. They can specify the state they are located in and select their preferred service centre. Upon submission with their contact details and vehicle registration number, a confirmation email of the appointment will be sent.
In addition, the real-time e-Service Appointment booking is currently available at 7 Ford Authorised Service Centres in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The locations are Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya 2, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth, Ford Kuching, Ford Kota Kinabalu and Ford Tawau. Owners can schedule a service appointment up to 1 month in advance. To make a real-time e-Service Appointment booking, visit www.sdacford.com.my/book-a-service-form.
In addition to booking a service appointment online, owners can also schedule their service appointments by calling an authorised Ford Service Centre directly.
For more information on the 2-day ‘Service Reward’ promotion or Ford services from SDAC, visit www.sdacford.com.my.
Ford and its Team Fordzilla esports team have unveiled a world-first at this year’s gamescom event which is described as ‘the ultimate virtual racing car’. Designed with collaboration between Ford designers and the gaming community, the car was developed under the codename ‘Project P1’.
It was then created with fan votes on Twitter at different design stages. Gamers decided on elements including seating position, cockpit style and drivetrain before Ford designers worked up their interpretations of the brief.
Two designs were put forward for the final poll, with the car by Ford exterior designer Arturo Arino emerging victorious, gaining 83.8% of the votes. Close to 225,000 fans let their preferences be known throughout the polling process.
Inspired by the Ford GT
With inspiration from the Ford GT, Arino’s design employs unique touches like morphing technology on the body to offer the stability of a longtail racer on the high-speed straights of Le Mans, or a shorter body for tighter circuits like Monaco. For fans wondering when they may get to drive the vehicle in-game, Ford hinted that it is in advanced discussions with a major games developer to introduce it into a popular racing game in 2021.
“Project P1 took me to the beginning of it all. The reason why I became a car designer in the first place was to design something never seen before and something that pushes the boundaries. This vehicle will be visually stunning, and while it will push the gamer to the limits of focus and reflexes, it will also be hugely rewarding to drive,” explained Arino.
Ford also announced that it will build a scale model of the Team Fordzilla P1 concept before the end of the year, something it has already started to create at its design studios in Cologne, Germany. This is part of its continuing theme of exploring the parallels between the real-world and the virtual one, with learnings from design in the digital world being applied to concepts for reality.
Fordzilla Cup
The final of the inaugural Fordzilla Cup will take place at gamescom this year. Qualifiers and heats have been taking place all week and will culminate with the first-ever champion crowned this weekend. The winner will get a professional contract with Team Fordzilla and have the chance to compete on some of the largest stages in gaming.
The launch of www.teamfordzilla.com during gamescom will provide a permanent home for Ford’s official eSports team. Fans will be able to follow live feeds of races, download vehicle graphics for use in-game and keep up-to-date with the latest news.
Team Fordzilla
Team Fordzilla is Ford’s first ever esports team, inaugurated in 2019 with individual teams in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, consisting of hand-picked racers. Each team competes in national competitions with dedicated team captains, with the best drivers representing Team Fordzilla at a European level. Currently, over 40 drivers race under the Team Fordzilla banner.
“We showed again at gamescom this year that we’re serious about gaming, but what was really great is the continuing support we’re receiving from that gaming community. This really pushes us to keep innovating with projects like the Team Fordzilla P1 concept,” said Emmanuel Lubrani, Senior Manager Communications for Team Fordzilla at Ford Europe.
Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about Ford models you can buy and drive.
Ever since Malaysia had a Movement Control Order (MCO) which was necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, life has changed. With Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed so as to prevent spread of the coronavirus, companies have had to quickly formulate new procedures for customer interaction.
At service centres, for example, appointments have to be made in advance to ensure that the number of vehicles and customers is not excessive and affect social distancing. Customers are also required to undergo temperature checks and provide contact details when they visit the facilities, as well as use contactless payments if possible.
(File picture taken before MCO)
Besides adhering to all the SOPs, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has also been looking at ways to make things more convenient for its Ford customers. In another step towards delivering a seamless customer service experience, has digitised its vehicle service appointments by expanding its online booking tool to be capable of managing and confirming service appointments in real-time
Real-time e-Service appointment booking, via the SDAC-Ford website, is currently available at 7 authorised Ford Service Centres – Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya 2, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth, Ford Kuching, Ford Kota Kinabalu and Ford Tawau.
“The expansion of the implementation for the real-time e-Service appointment booking will enable customers to immediately know the available vehicle service time slots at their chosen dealership. Delivering this added convenience is yet another demonstration of our commitment to providing a more seamless and digitised experience for our customers,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
“In the months to come, we will be looking at fully establishing this real-time e-Service appointment booking for our network of over 40 dealerships nationwide,” added Tuan Syed Muzri.
Booking a service appointment online is simple. Customers just need to visit www.sdacford.com.my and click the ‘Book a Service’ tab. They then select their vehicle model, choose the state in which they are located in, and select their preferred service centre from a drop-down list.
The available date and time slots will then be shown, and customers can schedule a service appointment up to 1 month in advance. Once completed, a confirmation email of the appointment will be sent.
In addition to booking a service appointment online, customers can also schedule their service appointments by calling an authorised Ford Service Centre directly. Booking an appointment is good for both the vehicle owner, who can choose a suitable time and day, as well as SDAC which can manage its operations more efficiently.
Incidentally, if you service your vehicle this month at an authorised Ford service centre, you can save up to 20% on parts and service, plus get a free 27-point vehicle inspection. It’s one way SDAC is helping Ford owners in this difficult times.
Five years before the Suzuki Jimny and long before the Suzuki Vitara, Ford was already selling a small SUV. It was called the Bronco and appeared in the market in 1965, a time when Ford was still creating excitement with the Mustang that had been launched a year earlier. Although Americans love their vehicles big, the small (for that market) Bronco found a niche for itself and went through 5 generations until 1996 when production of the model ceased,
Today, with strong demand for smaller SUVs, Ford is getting in on the action with a new Bronco. Of course, it is a totally different vehicle from the original and where the Bronco name only referred to the model, Ford is now using it as a brand name for a family of SUVs.
“We created the Bronco family to elevate every aspect of off-road adventure and equipped them with class-leading chassis hardware and exclusive technologies to raise the bar in the rugged 4×4 segment and take people further into the wild,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s Chief Operating Officer. “They’re built with the toughness of an F-Series truck and performance spirit of Mustang – and come wrapped in one of the most stunning and functional off-road designs that’s true to the original Bronco design DNA.”
To go on sale in early 2021, the Bronco family comes in two sizes with 2-door and 4-door variants – a larger one and a smaller compact model that differentiated with ‘Sport’ added as a suffix. But both models have all the necessary systems and engineering to give them extensive off-road capability that justifies using the G.O.A.T. – for ‘Goes Over Any Terrain’ – nickname which the original Bronco had.
However, where the earlier generations used mostly mechanical systems, the latest one has many electrical, computer-managed systems that make driving on rough terrain easier and safer. The Terrain Management System with ‘G.O.A.T. Modes’ (probably something Ford engineers learnt when Land Rover was in the Ford group) has 7 driver-selectable modes to customise traction and engine systems for optimum performance over different surface conditions, to boost acceleration or even to economise on fuel. In Rock Crawl mode, the electronic power steering system is calibrated to provide more precise control and help reduce steering wheel disturbance during low-speed manoeuvres over rocky terrain.
“Bronco has the toughness and smarts to help turn off-road novices into 4×4 pros,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s Chief Product Development & Purchasing Officer. “Bronco embraces the needs of outdoor enthusiasts – every inch of it was designed and engineered with weekend adventurers in mind.”
Tough steel chassis for the roughest off-road driving
The 4×4 systems are available in standard set-up and advanced. The standard system utilizes a 2-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, while the optional advanced system features a 2-speed electromechanical transfer case that adds an auto mode for on-demand engagement to select between 2H and 4H. Electronic locking differentials for improved traction over rough terrain are available if customers want them.
Other driver assistance technologies include a Trail Toolbox which ‘elevates’ the off-road experience for Bronco. Trail Control provides cruise control for low-speed trail driving (up to 33 km/h forward and about 10 km/h in reverse). Trail Turn Assist tightens off-road turning radiuses through torque vectoring. The innovative Trail One-Pedal Drive acceleration/braking control makes for more precise and confident slow-mode rock crawling.
EcoBoost powertrains
Two EcoBoost engines are available with displacements of 2.3 litres and 2.7 litres. The smaller 4-cylinder engine has outputs of 270 bhp/420 Nm while the larger twin-turbo V6 generates 310 bhp/ 542 Nm. There’s a choice of a Getrag 7-speed (6 + 1 ‘crawler gear’) manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid powertrain is in the product plan as well.
One of the EcoBoost engines available.
For the Bronco Sport, there’s a 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that produces 245 bhp/ 373 Nm and also a 1.5-litre EcoBoost unit with 181 bhp/258 Nm. Perhaps these two powertrains will be offered in export markets but at this time, Ford has not mentioned selling the Bronco outside North America and it’s uncertain if there will even be a righthand drive variant. They’ve lost interest in the Southeast Asian markets where there could be a potentially big volume, letting only the Ranger soldier on for the brand.
Every Bronco comes with an independent front suspension and at the rear, a rugged solid axle design featuring coil springs with 5 locating links. Long-travel position-sensitive Bilstein dampers with end-stop control valves at every corner are optionally available for added off-road durability and reduced harshness.
Also available is a semi-active hydraulic stabilizer bar disconnect design which provides maximum articulation and increased ramp angle index for off-camber terrain. This innovative system works by disconnecting during articulation; it can reconnect automatically under all conditions to improve steering and stability at higher speeds.
Ford claims segment-leading levels of off-road capability for the Bronco with 300 mm of ground clearance and water-crossing capability up to a depth of 850 mm. There’s a choice of tyre types and sizes up to 35 inches too.
The first design ideas for the modern Bronco started 16 years ago with the Bronco concept displayed at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. It drew inspiration from the original Bronco style with a slab-side chunky look that traditional SUVs had. In fact, Ford’s designers did a life-size digital scan of a first-generation model to understand its DNA. Incidentally, if you saw the movie Rampage in 2018, you would have seen that concept SUV being driven by Dwayne Johnson.
Ford Bronco Concept displayed in 2004.
The production Bronco adopts much of the concept model’s design with modernised retro looks that include classic round headlights on either side of an encapsulated cartridge grille. The 2-door variants come with a standard 3-section roof system incorporating a modular top with four sections that adds a removable panel over the rear seats and cargo area. The 4-door versions have 4 removable roof sections.
A cloth soft top provides easy access to the open air and a unique tilt-up function for quick access to the rear cargo area. To further enable the ‘wide open’ feeling, every Bronco comes with frameless doors that are easily removed. On 4-door Broncos, all the doors can be stored onboard with protective door bags.
The modern Bronco and the original which was introduced in 1965
“Similar to the first-generation model, Bronco’s square proportions, short overhangs and wide stance are optimized for off-road adventure,” said Paul Wraith, the SUV’s Chief Designer. “The side profile features a flat, no-nonsense surface with clear-cut edges and robustly flared fenders. Large, open wheel wells are a modular design with a quick-release attachment for simple customization.”
Purpose-built cabin
The multicolour LCD instrument panel is clearly inspired by the first-generation Bronco while the colours and materials are inspired by natural palettes and outdoor gear. With off-road functionality paramount, materials are tough and rugged. There are washable rubberized floors with integrated drains and marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces that resist mildew. Instrument panel surfaces are wipeable, with seamless silicone rubber on the dash-mounted hero switches, while rubber touchpoints protect against dirt and water.
Attachment points are built into the instrument panel to mount a device rack, with 12V power connections to easily mount cameras, navigation units, phones or other devices that today’s adventurers will carry.
The American idea of a teh tarik hook.
For navigation, especially off-road, Bronco drivers can plan, navigate and share their adventures on the SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 12-inch display. The system has advanced topographic trail maps and more than 1,000 curated trail maps of the USA. The SYNC system also displays images from the 360-degree camera system to provide additional visibility in tricky exercises such as rock crawling.
A modern high-strength steel roll cage with integrated side curtain airbags in the upper structure and seats helps protect passengers from side impacts and complements driver and front passenger airbags. Needless to say, there’s a full range of active and passive safety systems around the vehicle.
Although pick-up trucks were, in earlier years, regarded as just workhorse machines for use off-road most of the time, the Ford Ranger changed that image. When it was introduced in the mid-1990s as Ford’s ‘Asian Car’, it brought to the regional market a new way of using pick-ups – the way they were being used in America, the largest pick-up market in the world.
In America, pick-ups were used for a variety of purposes, not just for tough off-road transport. They were used in daily commuting and as leisure vehicles. Of course, they also had to look good and over time, Ford stylists made the rugged image something that was desirable.
This was how the Ranger changed the perception of the pick-up truck in ASEAN. Before it was introduced, pick-up trucks were pretty basic and boring. They usually came to town from construction sites or logging camps for supplies and then went back in. No one really considered having them as daily transport to work.
Still, the Ranger was ‘Built Ford Tough’ and had all the capabilities a pick-up truck should have – plus stylishness that appealed to those who had never thought of owning such a vehicle before. It made quite an impact and in its early years in the Malaysian market, it accounted for half of all pick-ups sold.
The big factory in Thailand which was built to make the Ranger for regional distribution was also a global production hub for the model. So distant markets like Europe and South America also got their Rangers from Thailand. In Europe, the model steadily made inroads into the market and grew in popularity to become Europe’s No. 1 in its segment. The dominance of the Ranger was again demonstrated when it collected three awards in Germany in recent months.
Readers of the specialist magazine ‘Auto Bild Allrad’ gave the highest number of votes to the Ford model, winning it the overall award among All-wheel Pickups. The expert jury of the trade magazine ‘firmenauto’ was also convinced that the Ranger should win the top award in the pick-up segment, giving it the title of ‘Company Car of the Year 2020’. And finally, readers of the specialist magazine OFF ROAD chose the Ranger as the ‘Off-Road Vehicle of the Year 2020’ in the “Pick-ups” category as well.
In Europe, Ranger owners also attach mobile cabins to the vehicle for camping holidays.
The three latest awards join the ‘International Pick-up of the Year 2020’ award which was won last year. The jury picked the Ranger for its combination of robustness, clever drive technology, comfort and large loading area.
To know more about the wide range of Ranger models available in Malaysia visit www.sdacford.com.my.
For a long time now, it’s been a ‘buyers’ market’ rather than a ‘sellers’ market’ and car companies have been trying different ways to draw customers to their brand and products. Sales and aftersales services and facilities have been raised in quality and customers who visit showrooms may be pampered with food and drink, besides a very comfortable environment.
However, in this time of reduced showroom traffic, the car companies are going further in reaching out to customers. For example, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is enhancing its customer services by offering to bring new models to the customer’s home or office for a test-drive.
Added convenience for interested customers
The Home or Office Delivery Test Drive provides convenience to customers who may be busy or just don’t wish to travel to the showroom. The service is available within a 10-km radius of the customer’s chosen dealership.
To arrange for the test drive delivery, customers can either contact a Ford dealership nearest to them, submit an online test drive request via the SDAC-Ford website, or send a message to the Ford Digital Salesperson on the WhatsApp sales line at 019 204 1200.
“During this period, we understand that customers are in search of additional services for added convenience. That is why we are providing an additional option of delivering our test drive vehicles to our customers home or office to show our commitment of continuously enhancing our customer support and service,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Precautionary safety measures will be practiced by the sales consultant upon delivering the test drive vehicle. This includes the use of a face mask, recording of body temperature and sanitising the vehicle. The sales consultant will also be seated at the back to adhere to the current social distancing practices.
Showroom visitors welcome too
“Of course, customers are still welcome at our showrooms. For those who prefer to visit a Ford dealership, they can be assured that the necessary safety precautions to ensure health and safety are being practiced. This includes social distancing, temperature checks upon entering the premises, hand sanitiser dispensers located in the showrooms and frequent sanitising of high frequency touchpoints,” added Tuan Syed Ahmad Muzri.
Other existing touchpoints to assist customers in getting in touch with SDAC include the website chatbot to assist users on website navigation, Customer Care and Road Assist service line which is available 24/7 at 1300 38 3181, online book a service appointment, and submission of enquiries and feedback via the SDAC-Ford website.
Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about the Ford models available in Malaysia and the locations of dealerships throughout the country.
The last time a Ford Mustang Mach 1 was displayed for sale in showrooms in America was 17 years ago. It’s never been forgotten by Mustang fans and there must also have been people within the company who wanted to see it revived with the latest generation.
Now it is back and like the original Mach 1 in 1969, the all-new descendant bridges the gap between Mustang GT and Shelby models. “Bold styling, great acceleration and speed – Mach 1 says it all,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s Chief Operating Officer. “This is one of those special Mustangs that truly brings a smile to the faces of our owners, enthusiasts and fans – including me – so there’s never been a better time to bring back Mach 1 and have it go global too.”
Most track-capable 5-litre Mustang
The all-new Mustang Mach 1 is set to become the most track-capable 5-litre Mustang ever, thanks to a newly designed front end, plus Ford Performance parts from the Mustang Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500 models as well as an optional Handling Package for greater at-limit handling.
The specially tuned V8 engine has a projected 480 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 570 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. Integrated into the engine are revised Shelby GT350 components including the intake manifold, oil filter adapter and engine oil cooler, increasing engine oil cooling capability by 50%.
The Mach 1 also comes standard with a Tremec 3160 6-speed manual transmission from the Shelby GT350. And for the first time, Ford has added rev-matching while the transmission is paired with the GT350 oil cooler system and the Mustang GT’s twin-disc clutch and short-throw shifter.
Drivers can also opt for the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with an upgraded torque converter and unique calibration that enables optimizing torque capability, shift character and overall enhanced performance. A second air-to-oil cooler increases cooling capacity by 75%.
Recapturing Mach 1 style
The new Mach 1’s grille harkens back to the original with a deep 3D mesh, shark-nosed section and faux lamp elements. Flanking the fascia are new side grilles below each turn signal lamp. A low-gloss Magnetic pony badge is centered on the grille, with low-gloss magnetic and black accents providing a premium look. Yet everything is true to Mach 1’s bold heritage, including low-gloss Magnetic mirror caps and the rear spoiler.
Focus on downforce
A front splitter optimized to the fascia shape improves track performance and provides a more aggressive appearance, while a matched rear spoiler works in concert to create ideal lift balance. Mach 1 features 22% more downforce than a Mustang GT with Performance Pack Level 1 and the downforce improvement jumps to approximately 150% with the Handling Package.
A new underbelly pan, the car’s most aerodynamically important upgrade, extends further rearward than on a Mustang GT Performance Pack to smooth and increase the airflow under the front of the car. Large underwing features in the belly pan increase downforce, while special belly pan airfoils in the brake cooling ramps improve downforce and assist the brake cooling flow – a first for Mustang.
The interior features a unique Dark Spindrift instrument panel with aluminium accents. Ebony seats with an accent stripe hint at Mach 1 heritage in cars equipped with a leather interior. Other interior upgrades include new door sill plates, an updated splash screen on the 12.3-inch all-LCD instrument cluster, a white cue ball shift knob, and engraved badging that displays the vehicle’s unique chassis number.
This generation of the Mustang is the first one which has righthand drive variants engineered and built at the factory for wider global sales. However, for now, Ford will only concentrate on supplying to the North American market.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion also offers the latest Mustang with 2.3-litre EcoBoost and 5-litre engines. Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more.
Sime Darby Motors has a wide range of brands in its retail and distribution portfolio for the Malaysian market. These Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Hyundai, BMW, MINI, Motorrad and Volvo. To cater to the needs of corporate clients, the company is having an ‘Unbelievable Deals’ campaign. a corporate programme providing special privileges with very attractive cost of ownership and exceptional benefits.
This campaign is applicable across all the brands to suit different requirements. “This programme is specially curated to reward our loyal customers across Sime Darby Motors Malaysia. As exhilarating as it is rewarding, we aim to offer our customers with irresistible deals whilst ensuring their sales and aftersales needs are cared for by our passionate professionals who are dedicated in providing world-class services that exceed expectations,” said Jeffrey Gan, MD of Retail & Distribution, Malaysia.
The different brands represented by Sime Darby Motors offer a variety of vehicle types from Ford pick-ups to premium sedans like the Jaguar XF (below)
“The automotive industry is moving towards a more digital environment to fit with the needs of our consumers. Our operating units are continuously innovating to find new ways of digitalising the car-buying process; from digital showrooms and door-step test drives to contactless servicing and eventually delivering customers’ cars to their doorsteps. The digital transformation in the automotive industry is certainly opening up new opportunities for us,” he explained.
On the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Gan said the company takes the current situation very seriously. “We stand guided by the government’s policy, with the safety and health of our employees, customers and business partners being our utmost priority,” he explained.
More information on the corporate programme is available at the individual websites of the respective brands.
